Some headache medications, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or analgesics, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can be used in cases of mild to moderate headache, caused by factors such as fever, excess stress or tiredness, for example. example.
Furthermore, in the case of a severe headache or migraine, there are medication options that may be recommended by your doctor, such as sumatriptan or dihydroergotamine mesylate, as they narrow the cerebral blood vessels and block the pain.
Headache treatment should always be guided by your doctor, who can recommend the best remedy individually according to your age, type of headache and its severity. Check out the main types of headache.
Pharmacy remedies
The pharmacy remedies that are generally recommended by the doctor to relieve headaches are:
1. Painkillers
Analgesics, such as paracetamol (Tylenol) or dipyrone (Novalgina), are remedies recommended for headaches, as they act by inhibiting the production of substances in the brain responsible for pain, such as prostaglandins or cyclooxygenases. See how to correctly take paracetamol or dipyrone.
These remedies can be found in pharmacies or drugstores, and although they are sold without the need to present a prescription, ideally they should be taken with a doctor’s advice, as they are contraindicated for people with liver problems or impaired bone marrow function. .
Furthermore, paracetamol, when used in doses greater than those recommended, can seriously affect the liver, cause drug-induced hepatitis and put life at risk. Know how to identify the symptoms of medical hepatitis.
2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, act by reducing the production of inflammatory substances in the body, such as prostaglandins and thromboxanes, helping to relieve headaches.
Some anti-inflammatories that can be used for mild to moderate headaches are ibuprofen (Advil, Ibupril) or acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin), and should be taken with medical advice, as they are not indicated during pregnancy, breastfeeding or by people who have a stomach ulcer, gastritis, kidney disease, chickenpox or suspected dengue fever.
There are also some medications that contain combinations of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or analgesics with caffeine, which act by increasing the analgesic effect, such as Doril Migraine, Cafiaspirin, Sonridor or Tylenol DC, for example.
3. Triptanos
Triptans, such as sumatriptan (Sumax, Imigran), naratriptan (Naramig) or zolmitriptan (Zomig), may be prescribed by your doctor for severe headaches or migraine attacks. See other remedies that may be indicated for the treatment and prevention of migraines.
These medicines act on the brain, causing a narrowing of cerebral blood vessels and blocking pain, and should only be used by adults, being contraindicated during pregnancy, or for people who have high blood pressure or cerebrovascular, coronary or blood vessel disease. peripherals.
4. Ergotamínicos
Ergotamine medications, such as dihydroergotamine mesylate, may be recommended by a doctor to relieve severe headaches or migraine attacks in adults, and are generally found in combination with analgesics, such as dipyrone, and caffeine.
Some examples of medicines containing dihydroergotamine mesylate are Cefaliv, Migraliv, Cefalium or Enxak, and should not be used by children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or by people with serious impairment of liver and kidney functions, high blood pressure uncontrolled, peripheral vascular diseases, history of acute myocardial infarction, angina pectoris and other ischemic heart diseases.
Furthermore, dihydroergotamine mesylate should not be used by people who are allergic to acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol or other analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Medicine for headache during pregnancy
For pregnant women, the headache medicine that is generally indicated is paracetamol, which although it does not harm the baby, should only be used if indicated by the obstetrician.
During pregnancy, it is best to resort to natural and homemade options, as an alternative to medications, because many of them can pass on to the baby, potentially harming their development. See a great home remedy for headaches during pregnancy.
Natural remedy options for headaches
Some options for natural remedies for headaches are drinking chamomile tea or peppermint tea, as they contain substances with anti-inflammatory or analgesic properties, making them a good home remedy option for headaches caused by excess stress or anxiety. , for example. Learn how to prepare home remedies for headaches.
Furthermore, one way to help relieve a headache is to apply a cold compress to the forehead or back of the neck, leaving it to act for 5 to 15 minutes, as the cold contributes to the constriction of blood vessels, reducing the headache. Additionally, having a head massage can help improve blood circulation, reduce pain and promote relaxation. See step by step how to do the massage.
However, it is important to emphasize that the use of these or any other natural remedy should not replace the medicines recommended by the doctor, being just a way to help relieve pain more quickly.
